Meet Bridgett Singleton: there's a fire in her to go and serve, and through doing so, she's learned about joy, loving others, and how to appreciate the simple things in life.
When and how did you first feel the call to serve internationally?
I was 12 when I first felt called to serve. My godmother had moved to Ethiopia to become a full-time missionary, and I thought it was the most amazing thing. I don’t remember the exact moment when I knew that this is what I was called to do, but I do remember realizing that some people didn’t know Jesus and people didn’t have basic necessities. That broke my heart. I remember praying asking God to lead me, and from then I knew I was called to serve others.
You were in high school when you first went on a mission trip.
How did your parents respond to you serving overseas at a young age?
My parents were very cautious before I left, but before leaving I realized they knew this is what I was called to do. They were and continue to be proud of that.
While you were in the Dominican Republic, you worked at a medical site.
What are three things you learned through serving about medical care in a third world country?
Three things I learned probably would be :
- How much we take health for granted in America, seeing how’s it’s not regularly accessible to everyone.
- Teaching others about medicine is just as important as providing the medicine.
- Lastly and maybe most importantly, Spiritual Health is just as important as physical health.
How did serving internationally change your perspective?
Serving internationally has changed my perspective in many ways. I think some part of me thought that after one mission trip this desire to serve wouldn’t be so great. But instead it created this fire inside. I think that after serving internationally has changed the way I view joy, and I definitely have learned to appreciate the simple things more.
What would you say to the high school students who want to go and serve but don’t have the support of their parents?
To students who parents won’t let them serve on a mission trip yet, I would say keep praying. Don’t force your parents; maybe it’s not time yet.
Keep the faith, and find away to serve God at home.
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